Bladed projectile



Sept. 2?, 1932. E. w. BRANDT 1,879,849

BLADEDPROJECTILE Filed Nov. 5. 1930 3 Shegts-Sheet 1 p 27, 1932- E. w.BRAND T 1,879,840

BLADED PROJECTILE Filed Nov. 5. 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 QQO p 3932- E. w.BRANDT 1,879,840

BLADED PROJEGTILE Filed NOV. 5, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Sept. 27,1932 UNITED STATES YATENT OFFICE anon wnmmnmm', or rams, mnen amenrnomcrnm I Application filed November 5,1980, Serial No. 498,675, and inFrance May 22, 1980.

This invention relates to improvements in bladed projectiles, and moreparticularly to a projectile of this type with a high specific capacity,intended to be projected by the aid of a discharging device preferablyof smooth bore type. t

The projectiles usually employed with said devices comprisesubstantially a body of suitable shape, terminated by a perforated tall.10' in which a propulsive cartridge is inserted,

this latter being carried away by the pro ectile after percussion.

The idea has already occurred of stabiliz ng projectiles of this kindduring their tra ecl tory, by providing them on the rear end with fixedblades which act similarly 'to the featherin on an arrow.

These fixed blades, which can only have a very restrictedperiphery-limited by the calibre of the discharging tube-operate in azone of partial vacuum, and, for this rea son, their efficiency isconsiderably reduced. In order to obviate this inconvenience in the caseof projectiles of small and medium specific capacity, it has beenproposed to give them a specially designed streamline shape, whichminimizes the vortical zone at the rear of the projectile. As the resultof this artifice, the fixed blades succeed in favourably 8 stabilizingthe projectile during its trajector v V Iii the case of projectiles ofhigh' capacity, however, this remedy is no longer applicable. In fact,in order toobtain said high capacity, it has been necessary to increasethe length of the projectile (since the calibre must remain unaltered)and to give it a shape assuring maximum volume, that is to say, in thisparticular case, cylindrical. Now the profile 0 which has thus had to beadopted results in the formation, at the rear of the projectile duringits flight, of a vortical zone of far greater diameter than in the caseof suitably designed profiles.

This drawback can evidently be remedied by increasing the length of thefixed blades, or by shifting them further to the rear by lengthening thetail, but this solution entails 0 increasing the .volume of thecombustion from the powder,

chamber, thereby considerably diminishing the propulsive efliciency ofthe cartridge.

In contradistinction, the improvements forming the subject of theinvention enable perfect stability to be obtained in the case of anyprojectile whatsoever (more particularlv, however, projectiles of highcapacity) durin flight, whilst obviating the drawbacksierembeforereferred to.

According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the rear ofthe projectile is equipped with blading, which is wholly or partiallymovable and is adapted to move automatically, when vthe shot is fired,from one stable position into the other, that is to say, from a neutral(or. folded) position,in which it isretained close to the body of theprojectile in such a way as to cause a minimum of obstruction in thelaunching tube,

into an operative (or unfolded) position 7 which, during flight, issituated at a distance from the body of the projectile and in a zonewhere it can exert a high stabilizing action.

The invention also comprises various devices which assure the actuationof the blading, at the desired moment, under the influence of one ormore of the following agencies; air resistance, elastic members, the gastheinertia of the blading and the like.

The invention also comprises blocking devices (operating by springs,inertia or the like) which assure the retention of the blading in itsneutral and operative positions respectively. 35

The invention also contemplates various designs of blading, intended toassure optimum stabilization, whilst permitting the introduction ofadditional charges for the purpose of strengthening the action of thepropulsive cartridge. v j

It follows from the foregoing characteristics that the projectileaccording tothe invention can be stabilized in its trajectory under themost favourable conditions, even for 93 very high-angle fire, owing tothe fact that the blading, when fixed in the operative position,operates in a zone of compression. It is thus possible, in accordancewith the invention, to stabilize projectile of a far greater Thedestructive eifect of projectiles of great length in calibres is wellknown to those engaged in the art.

Mention maybe simply made of the fact that the projectiles according tothe invention are admirably adapted for the destruction of objectivessituated at acertain height above the ground, such as lines of barbedwire, which are mown down, by the fragments of theprojectile, over a fargreater area than with a shorter projectile.

The possibility of the high-angle firing of the projectiles according tothe invention, is evidently a matter of interest in connection with thedestruction of objectives in confined positions, or located behindnearly vertical obstacles, such as rock walls,.a;nd the like.

Other advantages and special features of the invention will becomeapparent from the following description.

In the accompanyin drawings, which are given solely by way 0 example:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of an embodimentof a projectile according to theinvention, with the wings outspread; v

Fig. 2 is a partial section on a larger scale;

Fig. 3 is a partial section, with the wings folded together;

Fig. 1 is a section along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2, looking towards therear of the projectile;

Figs. 5 and 6 blading;

Figs. 7 and 8 represent an embodiment of the device for locking theblades in the closed and expanded positions respectively;

Fig. 9 is a modification of said device;

show modifications of the Fig. 11 is a partial elevation and partiallongitudinal section of a second embodiment of the blading according tothe invention, showing the wings spread out;

.Fig. 12 is a partial end view and cross section along the line 12-12 ofFig. 11, with the wings spread out;

Fig. 13 is a partial elevation, showing the complete blading in thefolded condition;

Fig. 14 is an end view of the blading of Fig. 13

Fig. 15 is a section, along the line 15-15 of Fig. 13, of a detail ofthis blading, on a larger scale;

Fig. 16 is a partial axial section of a third embodiment of the blading,in the closed position;

Figs. 17 and 18 represent respectively an end view of this embodimentand a detail I of same, on a larger scale;

Fig. 19 is an elevation of the blading according to Fig. 16 in theoperative position;

Fig. 20 is a longitudinal section of a differeut construction of theblading according to the invention, with the blades in the closedposition; and

Fig. 21 is an end view of this blading.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the projectile of the launchin tube, andlimits t e explosion chamber in ront.

Towards the rear, the body 1 tapers at 4, preferably in the form of atruncated cone, the minor base of which is at the rear end. This portionis closed by a wall 5 (Fig. 2).

The portion 4 terminates in a heel 6, to which is suitably attached a'tubular tail 7, of known type, provided with a certain number ofopenings 8. This tail is intended to house .the propulsive cartridge,the wall of which lodges in a groove 9 when the shot is fired.

At the rear end, the tail 7 is provided, on

its periphery, with a certain number of pairs of lugs, such as 10 (Fig.4) in which are pivotally mounted the axes, such as 11,'of small blades,such as 12.

In the embodiment illustrated, each of these small blades is composed ofan arm 13, provided with two integrally cast straight fins 14, 15 (Figs.1-4) and a concave-convex terminal plate 16.

The fins 14, 15 are parallel to one another, and, when the blades areopened out, are parallel to the axis of the projectile, whereas, in thatposition, the medial axis AA of the terminal plate 16 (Fig. 2) isslightly inclined Fig. 10 is a detail of Fig. 2, on a larger scale;

towards the front of the projectile.

A heel, such as 17 (Fig. 7), provided near the pivotal point of eachblade 12 is des gned so as to come in contact with the end of the tail,in orderto retain the blade in the outspread or extended position.

When the blades are folded, the fins and tlgrminal plates occupy theposition shown in On issuing from the launching tube, the blades moveautomatically from the position shown in Fig. 3 to that of Fig. 2, underthe action of the resistance of the air and of the gases of the firingcartridge.

In the modification shown in Fig. 5, several series of blades 18 areprovided, each series being pivoted, at the forward end, on a shaft 19,carried, for example, by a fixed blade 20. Prior to firing, the bladesare retained in folded position against the body of the projectile,either by hand or by suitable accessory means, against the action of aspring 21 which causes them to extend-or spread out, like a fan, onissuing from the tube.

In the similar modification in Fig. 6, the

pivotal axis 22 is, placed in the rear, which: enables a widelyprojecting blading to be obtained in the extended or opened-out position23.

It will be evident that the blades may be constructed in any suitablemanner, such as stamping, welding, in one or more pieces, or the like;The may also be shaped in any form suitable or the parts they are toplay. In order to keep the blades in position, various" devices may beemployed, such as those hereinafter described.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a ball 24, actuated by aspring 25, housed in a recess 26 in the blade, coacts with two notches27, 28, corresponding respectively to the folded and extended positions.

The strength of the spring and the form of the notches 27 28, aredesigned so that, on the one hand, they hold the blades firmly in theclosed position, to pre'ventthem from shaking,'or from catching whilethe projec-, tile is being handled, and, on the other hand, to preventthe blades, when opened out, from folding up'again when the porjectile,fired ata high angle, begins to drop. They are also designed so as toallow the blades to be released, under the action of the air resistance,at the moment the projectile is launched, and also as to enable a bladewhich has been locked in the opened position to be folded again bymanual pressure.

In the modification shown in Fig. 9, the blades are retained in theclosed and opened positions, by means of a bent spring 29, adapted toengage in the notches 30 and 31 respectively.

The blades may also be held in the folded position, previous to firing,by means of a locking ring 32 (Figs. 2 and 10) slidably mounted on thetail/7. This ring is provided with forward clips 33 which engage theplates 16 when the ring is retained in the locking position by archedsprings 34, of suitable strength, engaging in a groove 35 in the tail 7On the projectile being fired, the ring 32 recedes under the effect ofinertia, and releases the blades.

By way of modification, the blades may be connected to ether by means ofa suitable ligature 36 TFig. 3) preferably of silk or other materialcapable of being burned by the combustion of the propulsive charge. Thisligature may be replaced by a spring (not shown) provided with a certainnum ber of shallow notches corresponding to the edges, such as 37, ofthe arms of theblades. The various components ofthe pro ectile may beconstructed of any suitable metal whatsoever, the body, for example,being of steel, and the wings of aluminium.

Figs. 11 to 15 represent another embodiment, in which the blades, suchas 38, 39, of cylindrical or other shape, are arranged to pivot on axes,such as 40 parallel to the axis of the projectile. The axes 40, 41 whichare preferably profiled in front (42, Fig. 11) to lessen theirresistance to the air;-'are'supported by rigid members, such as 43, 44,45, suitably attached to the tail 7. Openings 46 provided in saidmembers andin the blades, to the ri 'ht of the perforations 8 in thetail 7, allow the powder gases to pass. A fusible ligature 47 (lead wirefor example), preferably disposed on the front part of the tail, so asnotto hinder the insertion of the cartridge, retains the blades in thefolded position prior to firing, and, when the projectile is fired,disappears under the action of the heat generated by the deflagration ofthe powder gases. The heel pieces 49 serve also to hold the additionalcharges, such as 51, in the recesses between the blades and the tube.011 issuing from a the tube, the blades, liberated in this manner, areforced, by springs 48, into the outspread or extendedposition'represented in Figs. 11 and 12, in which their heel pieces 49encounter the stops 50 .by which the projectile is guided in the tube(Figs. 12 and 15).

The blades are preferably arranged to fit one over the other, when inthe closed position, (as shown in Figs. 1 4 and'15) above the supportingmembers, such as 43, 44. The whole, firmly supported against the tail 7,thus becomes extremely rigid and prevents any distortion of the blades,both in handling and under the effect of the defiagrationthus beingapproximately double the area of' the exterior peripheral surfaceavailable- The incurved form of the blades increases their resistance.The spring control enables the blades to open outwithout any suddenjolt. Moreover, the absence of any projection, and the uniformarrangement of the surface of the blades, assure to the projectile themost favourable conditions of navigation on its trajectory.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 16 to 19, the bladihg is-arranged so asto slide longitudinally and, on the projectile beingfircd. to move intoa position beyond the vortical zone set up behind the projectile and inwhich the stabilizing forces acting on the blading do so with a greateramount of lever- WVith this object, the tail carrying the blades-isprovided with an extension 52 (Fig. 16) suitably attached thereto, orintegral therewith. This extension52 is adapted to slide in a guide tube53 centred in the axis of the projectile and is provided with a part 41,approximately i of larger diameter 55a at its forward end. Inside saidguide tube is housed an inter mediate member 54 (Fig. 18), slightlytapered at 55, intended 'tocoact with the correspondingly shaped end 55of the extension 52, so as to wedge it in the positlon shown in Fig, 19.-A spring 56 bearing, on the one hand, against the bottom.57 ofthe tube53, and,on the other, against the heel 58 of the tail 7, tends to pushthe latter backwards. A bolt 59, controlled by a spring 60, serves tolock the tail 7 in the position of Fig. 16, prior to firing.

\Vhen the projectile is fired, the gases of the cartridgeescape by theopenings 8, cause the a bolt 59 to move inwards, and thus release theover at their outer edges 61, as shown, in order to increase theirperipheral stablhzing action. They are also slightly inclined on theaxis of the projectile, so as to set up a drag-' s ng efl'ect under themost favourable condi tions fromv the point of View of stability offlow. They are advantageously provided with ribs at 62 (Fig. 17),intended'to increase the moment of'inertia of the dangeroussection'of-the blade, and with gaps 63 ensuring the equilibrium of thepressures. They are preferably rounded at, their forward ends at 51a. l

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 20 and 21, the sliding blading 641noves rearwards, under the action of the inertia of its mass, at themoment of firing, iii overcoming the resistance of the locking spring65. The ailerons (i6 stabilize chiefly by drag.

Vhen the hereindescribed improvements are applied to aircraft bombs, thelaunching cartridge be ng suppressed, a suitable device,

such as a spring, is employed in order to ass sist, if necessary, andconjointly with the resistance of the air, in setting the blades inoperation at the moment the projectile leaves the launch ng tube orother device.

It is self-evident that the embod ments hereinbefore described are givensolely by wa of explanation and are in no respect restrictive, and thatvarious modifications in detail maybe introduced therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope*of the invention as defined in theappended claims. Thus, in particular, the invention is by no meansrestricted'to projectiles of high capacit-y, but can be equally appliedtov all other projectiles of any shape whatsoever, provided, or not,with a perforated tail.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my saidinvention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare thatwhat I claim is 1. A projectile comprising a body, ivots mounted at therear of the body para lel to the longitudinal axis of the projectile anduniformly distributed about said axis, stabilizingwings each comprisinga substantially rigid structure having the form when folded V of aportion of an outwardly concave cylinder, two said wings beingarticulated on each said pivot and inidividually movable therearoundbetween folded and extended positions, the said wings having in foldedposition a diameter less than and in extended position a diametergreater than the caliber of the projectile, awing mounted on one of\said pivots being in folded position in overlapping relationship with awing of the adjacent pivot, the wings oneach pivot moving in oppositeangular directions about the pivot in passing from folded to extendedpositions, interengaging elements on each wing and on the body forlimiting the extending movement of the wing, and means for moving thewings from folded to extended position upon firing of the projectile.

2. A projectile comprising a body, pivots" mounted at the rear of thebody parallel to the axis ofthe projectile and. uniformly distributedabout said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on the pivots and movabletherearound between folded and extended positions, said wings having .infolded position a diameter less than-and in extended position a diametergreater than the caliber of the projectile, and leaving between them anda launching tube, when'folded, recesses to accommodate propelling"charges, and means for moving the wings from folded to extend- 1 edposition. 1 V

3. A projectile comprisingia body, a perforated tubular tail fixed atthe bottom of the projectile, a propulsive charge in the tail, pivotsmounted on the perforated tail Ill] parallel to the axis of theprojectile and uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wingsarticulated on the pivots "and movable therearound between foldedandextended positions, said wings having in folded position adiameterless than and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliberof the projectile, andleaving between them and a, launching tube, whenfolded, recesses to accommodate additional propelling 12 charges, andmeans for moving the wings from folded to extended position.

4. A projectile comprising a body, aperforated tubular tail fixed at thebottom of the projectile, --a propulsive charge in the tail, pivotsmounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of the projectileand uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wingsarticulated on the pivots and movable therearo'und between folded andexm es' to accommodate additional propelling charges, means to hold saidadditionalpropelhng char es m said recesses, and means for moving t ewings from folded to extend-i ed position.

5. A projectile comprising a body, a perforated tubular tail fixed atthe bottom of the projectile, a propulsive, charge in the tail, pivotsmounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of the projectileand uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wingsarticulated on the pivots and movable therearound between folded andextended position, said wings having in folded position a diameter lessthan and in extended position a diameter greaterthan the caliber of theprojectile, and leaving between them and a launching tube, when folded,recesses to accommodate additional charges, elastic means for moving thewings from folded to extended position and coopcrating abutment memberson the wings and the body for retaining the wings in extended positionin opposition to the action of the said elastic means, the saidabutments on the wings serving also to retain the additional propellingcharges.

6. A projectile comprising a body, a perforated tubular tail fixed atthe bottom of the projectile, a propulsive charge in the tail, pivotsmounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of the projectileand uniformly distributed around said axis,stabilizing wings articulatedon the pivots and movable therearound between folded and extendedposition,said wings having in folded position a diameter less than andin extended position a diameter greater than the caliber of theprojectile, and leaving between them and a launching tube, when folded,recesses to accommodate additional propelling charges, elastic means formoving the wings from folded to extended position, and cooperatingabutment members on the wings and the body for retaining the wings inextended position in opposition to the action of the said elastic means,the said abutments on the body serving also to guide the projectile inthe firing tube.

7. A projectile comprising a body, pivots mounted at the rear of thebody parallel to the axis of the projectile and uniformly dis tributedabout said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on'the pivots and movabletherearound between folded and extended positions, said wings having infolded position a diameter less than and in extended position a diametergreater than the caliber of the projectile,each wing comprising asubstantially rigid structure having, when folded, the form of a portionof an outwardly conpropelling" cave cylinder, and means for moving thewings from folded to extended position.

8. A projectile comprisin a body, a. erforated tubular tail fixed at thebottom 0 the projectile, a propulsive charge in the tail, pivots mountedon the perforated tail parallel to the axis of the projectile anduniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wings articulated onthe pivots and movable therearound between folded and extendedpositions, said wings having in folded position a diameter less than andin extended position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile, the said wings resting on one another when folded and beingfurther provided with perforations opposite the perforations in thetail'when the wings arefolded, the wings leaving between them and alaunching tube, when folded, recesses to accommodate additionalpropelling charges, and means for moving the wings from folded toextended position;

9. A projectile comprising a body, a perforated tubular tailfixed-at'the bottom of the projectile, a propulsive charge in the tail,pivots mounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of theprojectile and uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wingsarticulated on the pivots and movable therearound between folded andextended positions, said wings having in folded position a diameterlessthan and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliber theprojectile, a propulsive charge in the tail,

pivots mounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of theprojectile and uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wingsarticulated on thepivots and movable t-herearound between folded andextended positions, said Wings having in folded position a diameter lessthan and in extended 'position a diameter greater than the caliber ofthe projectile, and leaving between them and a launching tube, whenfolded, recesses to accommodate additional propelling charges,

disruptible ligatures connecting the wings and the perforated tubulartail for retaining the wings in folded position; said ligatures passingthrough the said perforated tubular tail and being disrupted upon thefiring of the charge, and means for extending the wings after disruptionof the said connecting ligatures. v

11. A projectile comprising a body, pivots mounted at the rear of thebody substantially parallel to the axis of the projectile anddisdiameter less t tributed about said axis, stabilizing wingsarticulated on the pivots and movable therearound between folded andextended ositions, said win shaving in' folded posit1ona llan and inextended'position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile,each wing comprising a substantially rigid structure presenting, when infolded position, an outwardly open recess,

I m and means for moving the wings from folded y tions and having infolded' position a diam-' to extended position.

12. A projectile comprising a body, pivots mounted at the rear of thebody substantially parallel to the axis of the pro ectile anddistributed about said axis, pairs of stabilizing f wings jointed oneach said pivot, the wings of each pair being movable about the commonpivot for said pair in opposite angular directions between folded and,extended posieter less than and in extended position a diameter greaterthan the caliber of the projectile, each wing comprising a substantiallyrigid structure presenting, when in folded position, an outwardly openrecess,

and means for moving the wings from folded to extended position.

13. A projectile comprising abody, pivots mounted at the rear of thebody substantially parallel to the axis of the projectile anddistributed about said axis, pairs of stabilizing'wings jointed on eachsaid pivot, the

wings of each pair being movable about the common pivot for sald palr 1nopposite angu- 5 lar directions between folded and extended positionsand having in folded position a diameter less than and in extendedposition a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile, and vanindividual torsion spring surrounding each said pivot and operating uponboth the wings of the pair thereon for moving the wings from folded toextended position.

In testimony whereof, I aflix my signature. EDGAR WILLIAMI BRANDT.

